Winter Cooking Camps 2026
Give your kids a playful, hands-on day in the kitchen!
It’s a full day of creativity, cooking, and connection—
perfect for keeping kids busy (and happy!) during winter break in Portage Park.
Winter Break COOK + CREATE CAMP
Kids will love learning, playing, growing, crafting, baking and cooking at our Schoolhouse Winter Break Camp.
We offer camp for kids ages 5-11 YRS.
Each day is unique and every week is packed with recipes and projects!
Campers will start the morning by cooking up their very own lunch, then spend the afternoon whipping up a sweet homemade dessert. Along the way, they’ll build kitchen confidence, practice new skills, and enjoy plenty of hands-on cooking and baking fun.
But the day isn’t just about food! Kids will stay engaged with games, crafts, and free playtime throughout the day. If the weather’s nice, we’ll even head to the local park for some fresh air and outdoor play.
Campers will make their own dessert each afternoon, learning and practicing measuring, mixing, and other baking and pastry skills.
You are always welcome to send your camper with NUT FREE food for an extra lunch or a snack.
Camp Days
December 21st - 26th, 28 - 31th
January 4th
9AM - 3PM
$120/child
$10/ day early drop off 8am-9am
For children ages 5-11
Winter Break Cook + Create Camp Menu & Activities
Dec. 21st
Pizza + Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies
Dec. 22nd
Minestrone Soup + Gingerbread Donuts
Dec. 23rd
Veggie Potstickers + Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
Dec. 28th
Stromboli + Dot Cakes
Dec. 29th
Pasta + Gingersnap Cookies
Dec. 30th
Veggie Chili + Jelly Donut Cake
Dec. 31st
Pizza + Cinnamon Rolls
Jan. 4th (Wicker Park & Portage Park only)
Mac & Cheese + Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
HOW OUR WAITLIST WORKS:
If a camp reaches full capacity we cannot accommodate additional campers. However, you have the option to join our WAITLIST. (through the SAWYER registration system).
Once a spot becomes available, we will email EVERYONE on the waitlist. It doesn’t matter what position you are on the list.
As registration adjustments frequently occur before the camp commences, being on the waitlist increases your chances of securing a spot. Feel free to join the waitlist if you're interested in obtaining a spot!
NOTES ABOUT OUR CAMPS:
Accommodations: We strive to welcome everyone at the Schoolhouse and are committed to providing a safe environment for all students. If your child may need behavioral/ emotional accommodations, please let us know when you register or before camp begins so that we can be aware and do our best to be inclusive. Physically rough, destructive or disruptive behavior is not permitted as we are in a kitchen setting and you will be asked to pick-up your camper if they repeatedly engage in behavior that is unsafe or disruptive.
Cancellation Policy for Camps:
CHANGES:
We will change registration with a $25 admin fee
CANCELLATION:
- 2+ wks notice = refund - $25 admin fee
- Less than 2 wks notice = credit - $25 admin fee
- Less than 1 week notice = no credit offered. You may transfer camp to another child.
Email us to let us know cheryl@iloveschoolhouse.com.
What to Bring:
- WATER BOTTLE with name clearly labeled
- Close toed shoes are ideal and tying long hair back is helpful.
- Some kids like to bring aprons - we provide them, as well.
- You may bring clearly labeled “to go” containers for your child. Reduce plastic!
- Dress for Mess!
Outside Time:
- Portage Park campers will go to the local park after lunch when the weather permits, it's about a 10 minute walk to the local park/playground for some fresh air and outside play before our afternoon recipe.
Arrival + Dismissal:
- Camp staff will be ready to check in campers 10 mins before camp is scheduled to begin.
- Please greet the staff counselor with the roster and we'll check in your camper.
Recipes are sent home each week so that you can continue practicing skills at home.
